We're less than a day away from Apple's big announcement. Will it be the iPad 3? The iPad HD? We've had a year to think about what we'd like to see in the next-gen iPad. Our wish list includes a better camera, a smaller form factor, lightning fast 4G LTE speeds, a USB port, and a retina display. But we're tech geeksalways itching for the next big thing. Most consumers, however, would be perfectly happy with the iPad 2 as isdual-facing cameras (VGA-quality in the front and 720p HD in the rear), 9.5-inch-by-7.31-inch chassis, 3G and/or Wi-Fi speeds, 1,024-by-768 resolution display, and more. If you're among these folks, you'll likely be able to snap up a first- or second-generation iPad for much less than usual.

Prices for the iPad 2 are already being slashed. Best Buy dropped the price tag by $50 last week, and Radio Shack is offering $20 and $50 off of the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models, respectively.

Last week we suggested that iPad and iPad 2 owners interested in buying the new release should sell their current devices as soon as possible. Hordes of people are rushing to re-commerce sites and buyback programs to sell their tablets, and once people actually get their hands on the new iPad and realize they don't need two iPads, it's likely that we'll see even more used iPads hitting the re-commerce market.

So, should you run out to your local electronics store today to see if you can score a deal on an iPad? Our very own expert in all things mobile, Sascha Segan, suggests waiting to buy a previous-gen iPad or a used iPad until the iPad 3 hits stores. Once it does, Segan says there's about a one-week window to get the best deals.

Amazon
We checked out the 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon) version of the iPad 2 at Amazon, and for a model normally selling for $729, we found it used on Amazon for as little as $479. Refurbished models start at $550, and new models start at $644. That being said, "new" does not mean new from Apple or Amazon; these models come from third-party sellers, so make sure to check the seller rating before buying one of these models.

Apple Store
Apple itself will be a good place to look for discounts. The online Apple Store already lists refurbished models for 12 to 25 percent offand prices may drop even more when the iPad 3 hits stores. The nice thing about buying from the Apple Store is you get the standard one-year warranty, which includes 90 days of phone support. Make sure to also check Apple's Clearance page once the announcement is made. There are currently no iPads there, but that might change.

Best Buy
As we mentioned earlier, Best Buy dropped the iPad's price tag by $50 last week. Though prices seem to be back to normal today, Best Buy is a good place to check for discounted iPads. Not only will you probably find brand-new models at a lower price, but Best Buy has a trade-in program, so there will surely be used models ready to be sold at a much lower price in Best Buy's Outlet Center.

Craigslist
A quick search on Craigslist for an iPad 2 yields hundreds of results. iPad owners are gearing up for the big day and are swarming to the site to unload their tablets. We saw 32GB iPad 2s (Wi-Fi only) for as little as $350. If you're good at haggling, you might even be able to knock off a few extra dollars. But buying via Craigslist does have its risks. Once you hand over the cash (unless you just bought from a saint who will refund your money if there's a problem with the iPad the next day), the iPad is all yoursundisclosed problems and all. There's only so much you can tell about the iPad in the five or 10 minutes you have before you give a stranger hundreds of dollars, so make sure you're as confident as can be about the seller and the tablet.

eBay Instant Sale
When we checked to see how much our 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon) iPad 2 was worth at eBay Instant Sale last week, we were quoted the very fair price of $392. This week, the same iPad is only worth $315. That gives us reason to think that eBay is getting an influx of used iPads that it's ready to sell atwhat we hope to bea great price. When selling a device via eBay Instant Sale, the devices go to AllTechWholesale. AllTechWholesale has its own eBay store, and is auctioning iPads for next to nothing. A refurbished 16GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (Verizon) in mint condition is currently starting at just $305. There's a 30-day return policy, so unlike Craigslist, if the iPad stops working a week in, you can send it back for a refund. Also, make sure to check eBay's complete listing page of iPads to see prices from other users.

Re-commerce Sites
In our "How to Sell Your iPad" story, we told you about the many sites out there that will give you cash for your used iPads. If you visit these sites in the hope of buying a used iPad you might be surprised to find there's nothing about buying a used gadget of any kind. To buy from these sites, you'll have to visit them elsewhere: Gazelle has both an eBay store and an Amazon storefront and NextWorth has an eBay store.

Meta-Shopping Sites
Sites like LogicBuy, PriceGrabber, Buy.com, and Newegg all offer discounts on previous-gen iPads, and prices will most likely fall even more once the iPad 3 hits shelves. Right now, Newegg has the 64GB iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G (AT&T) for $719 (down from $899.99). Keep checking these sites for further prices drops.

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About the Author

Jennifer Bergen started as an intern in 2008, writing for PCMag's blog network, and joined the PCMag team full-time shortly after. She has written for Geek.com, Gearlog, AppScout, GoodCleanTech, TechSaver, ZDNet, and ConsumerSearch. She also specializes in finding great deals, both inside and outside the world of consumer tech products. Hailing fro... See Full Bio

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